Every day, leaders across our academies inspire, support and empower colleagues to provide the very best education for pupils.
Headteacher Steve Ross reflects on his leadership journey across L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, the opportunities that have shaped his career, and what it’s like leading Radford Academy in Nottingham.
I am the Headteacher at Radford Academy, having joined L.E.A.D. Academy Trust in January 2024. Radford is my third academy within the Trust, following leadership roles at Witham St Hughs Academy and Sycamore Academy.
Working across different academies has been invaluable in shaping me as a leader. Each school has brought its own unique context, challenges and opportunities for growth, giving me a breadth of experience that I continue to draw on every day. Being a leader within L.E.A.D. Academy Trust has been one of the most formative experiences of my career.
Where did your journey within the Trust begin, and what was your first role?
My journey with the Trust began when I was offered a twelve-month fixed-term maternity cover contract as Deputy Headteacher at Witham St Hughs Academy. It was an opportunity I embraced fully and gave me my first experience of working within the L.E.A.D. environment and understanding how the Trust supports its schools. I was then offered the opportunity to move to Nottingham and take on a role at Sycamore Academy, which proved to be a pivotal step in my development as a leader. What began as a fixed-term contract has developed into a career I could never have anticipated, and I am grateful for the opportunities the Trust has given me.
What key steps or opportunities helped you progress into your current leadership role?
The CPD offer within the Trust was instrumental in helping me transition into headship. The training is meaningful, well-structured and directly relevant to the realities of leading a school. Having access to an extremely knowledgeable central team and a Director of Schools who provides both challenge and support made a real difference to my progression. Being stretched whilst knowing I had the right people around me gave me the confidence to take on greater responsibility, making each new step in my career feel like a natural progression rather than a leap into the unknown.
How has working within the academy supported your professional development and growth?
Working across different academies within the Trust has been central to my professional growth. Each school has presented a different context and its own set of challenges, helping to build both my confidence and capability as a leader. The support structures within the Trust mean you are never facing those challenges alone. Whether it is colleagues in other academies, members of the central team or senior leaders across the Trust, there is always someone to turn to. That culture of collaboration and shared expertise has given me the confidence to take on new responsibilities with a clear sense of purpose.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
My time at Sycamore Academy has probably been the most rewarding and significant part of my journey so far. It was a unique context that challenged me in ways I had not anticipated and, looking back, it was exactly the experience I needed to prepare me for my current headship at Radford. That year helped me identify gaps in my own knowledge and leadership, while reinforcing how important context is when leading a school effectively. No two schools or communities are the same, and understanding that has made me a more thoughtful and responsive leader. It was a challenging year, but the growth and self-awareness that came from it continue to shape how I lead today.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to progress into a leadership role within the Trust?
My advice would be to make the most of the people around you. This is a Trust that genuinely wants you to succeed, and the expertise across the central team and wider network is there to support your development. Don’t try to navigate your journey alone. Engage with colleagues across the Trust, visit other academies and embrace opportunities to work in different contexts. That breadth of experience, combined with the support the Trust provides, will help you grow as a leader and put you in a strong position to make the difference that brought you into education in the first place.
